Quick Wear: The first person to love the host

After an unknown amount of time, the storm gradually subsided.

Qi Jinyu ordered someone to prepare hot water and personally carried the somewhat exhausted Su Zi into the bathtub behind the screen.

The warm water soothed their fatigue, and the two embraced quietly in the rising steam.

Qi Jinyu carefully washed him, her movements gentle, a stark contrast to her earlier intensity.

After washing up, I changed into clean pajamas and lay back down on the messy but quickly tidied bed.

Qi Jinyu held the man tightly in his arms, his chin resting on the top of his head, and only then did he feel a real sense of peace.

"Ziyu," his voice was languid and hoarse afterward, but his arms tightened around him, "are you coming back this time...and leaving again?"

Su Zi leaned against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, and remained silent for a moment.

His original plan was to use the pretext of transporting goods to go to the capital to see Qi Jinyu and his sister Miaomiao, to confirm that they were safe and sound, and then return to the northern frontier as soon as possible.

The situation in Kyoto was treacherous. From his sister Miaomiao’s occasional letters and news from the Shen family’s shops in the capital, he knew that things were not peaceful here. The emperor’s suspicions were growing, and undercurrents were surging.

For Qi Jinyu, his staying here is tantamount to having another obvious weakness, a potential target for attack.

He didn't want to be a burden to him.

but…

The look in her eyes when she saw Qi Jinyu outside the courtyard gate just now was a mixture of surprise, vulnerability, longing, and exhaustion; the way she hugged him now, with a strength that seemed to have been lost and found, and an unwillingness to let go; and the expectation and unease carefully hidden in that question…

Su Ziyu's heart was incredibly soft.

He hesitated.

Sensing the silence and subtle emotional changes in the person in his arms, Qi Jinyu's heart stirred slightly.

He propped himself up and looked down into Su Ziyu's eyes. Those usually calm and composed eyes now clearly reflected his anxiety.

He softened his voice, almost pleading without even realizing it: "Don't go, Ziyu. Stay, stay by my side."

He raised his hand, his fingertips gently stroking Su Ziyu's cheek: "I know what you're worried about. Maybe I couldn't before, but now... I feel like I should be able to protect you."

He paused, then said solemnly, "The situation at court is now largely under control. As for Father... I will handle that. You have done more than enough for me in the Northern Frontier. I want you by my side for the rest of the journey, and we will walk together."

Su Zi longed for him, gazing into those deep eyes where there was no concealment of affection and determination.

He was aware of the risks in the capital, and he understood what staying meant.

But looking at the man in front of her, who was as cold and hard as iron in front of outsiders, but showed vulnerability and dependence only in front of her, all rational considerations seemed to be no match for the surging heartache and reluctance in her heart.

After a long while, he sighed softly, raised his hand to smooth Qi Jinyu's slightly furrowed brows, and a gentle yet firm smile appeared on his lips.

“Okay,” he said. “I won’t leave. Wherever you are, I will be.”

A startling light flashed in Qi Jinyu's eyes, as if the sun were rising over an icy plain.

He couldn't resist kissing those lips that had agreed again. This time, the kiss was gentle and lingering, filled with endless cherishing and joy.

"Ziyu, my Ziyu..." he murmured, his kisses gradually moving downwards.

The temperature inside the tent, which had just calmed down, rose again.

This time, there was no longer the shadow of parting, only endless tenderness and joy after confirming that they belonged to each other.

Their clothes were disheveled again, their breaths mingled, and in the dim bed curtains, they confirmed each other's presence and commitment in the most intimate way.

Outside the window, dusk was falling, and the cold wind still blew.

But in this warm place, only the intertwined body temperature and heartbeats of lovers can withstand all the storms and snow of the world.

-

The next day, when Su Zi tried to wake up again, the sun was already high in the sky.

The rare warmth of the winter sun shone through the window and cast dappled light and shadow on the quilt.

Although my body felt a familiar soreness, it unexpectedly exuded a long-lost sense of relaxation and languor, as if the gloom accumulated over the years had been washed away by the tenderness and affection of last night.

Liu Ye, who was guarding outside, heard the slight movement inside and immediately tiptoed in to serve.

He had served Su Ziyu for many years, and the master and servant had long since developed a tacit understanding.

Furthermore, since returning to the capital, Qi Jinyu, though living alone in the main courtyard, has consciously maintained the original furnishings of the house. Every table, chair, and object is just as it was before. Even Su Ziyu's usual writing brush and inkstone, and the books she often reads, are still in their original places.

When Liu Ye entered, everything seemed familiar, and she felt neither strange nor constrained.

"Young Master, you're awake." Liu Ye stepped forward, deftly hung up the bed curtains, and brought over warm water at just the right temperature.

Su Ziyu propped herself up, took a few sips from his hand to moisten her parched throat, and then asked, "Where is the Prince?"

"His Highness got up before dawn to attend to state affairs. Before leaving, he specifically told you to sleep a little longer and not to rush to get up."

As Liu Ye skillfully found the casual clothes that Su Ziyu was supposed to wear today, she replied, "Breakfast has been kept warm in the small kitchen. His Highness also ordered that your favorite chicken porridge and a few Jiangnan snacks be prepared."

As Su Ziyu listened, a warmth spread through her heart, and the corners of her lips unconsciously curved upwards.

That person was still the same; though he didn't say anything, his actions always revealed meticulousness and thoughtfulness.

Liu Ye helped him change and wash up, and then remembered something else, saying, "By the way, young master, Miss sent Pu Ye to inquire after you, saying that if you have time after you wake up, she would like to come and talk to you."

Su Miaomiao, after all, held the title of "Princess Consort." Although she did not live in the main courtyard, her servants still had to announce her arrival when she came to talk to her brother.

Liu Ye had followed Su Ziyu since childhood. In his heart, his young master and the prince were a perfect couple who were meant to spend their lives together.

He always addressed Su Miaomiao as "Miss," and could never bring himself to call her "Princess."

Su Zi wanted to know his temperament, so he didn't care about this.

Upon hearing this, Su Ziyu nodded: "Understood. Send someone to tell Miaomiao to come over. I'd also like to ask her about her situation here."

He had complicated feelings for this younger sister.

There is a natural closeness born of blood ties, but also a subtle sense of indebtedness and concern stemming from her marriage into the royal household. Now, because of her relationship with Qi Jinyu, she feels that her younger sister's situation in this household is awkward.

It's rare for her to take the initiative to come looking for me, so it's a good opportunity to have a chat.

After having breakfast and rinsing my mouth, I heard soft footsteps and the whispers of a maid coming from outside.

"Brother." The curtain was lifted, and Su Miaomiao walked in.

Today she wore a pale yellow embroidered plum blossom jacket with a white silk skirt, her hair simply styled with a pearl hairpin. Her attire was elegant, but her complexion was better than Su Ziyu had imagined.

The naivety of when we first met has faded in her eyes, replaced by a calmer demeanor.

"Miaomiao, come and sit down." Su Ziyu got up to greet her, leading her to sit on the couch in the warm pavilion, and then had Liu Ye serve tea and snacks.